Delaware City

Delaware City can trace its origins back to 1801 when the Newbold family from New Jersey purchased a tract of land that became known as Newbold's Landing. The Newbolds drew plans for the town in 1826 with the expectation that it would eventually grow to rival Philadelphia as a Delaware River port and commercial center. Fortunately for today's visitors, that didn't quite happen.

Today, Delaware City is a quaint riverfront community situated at the eastern end of the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal on the Delaware River, with fewer than 2,000 residents. The city encompasses only 1.3 square miles and boasts an historic district with more than 200 buildings constructed during the 19th-and early 20th-century. The city's main street has a number of independently owned shops, including art galleries, gift shops, bakeries and an authentic blacksmith.

Delaware City is also the launching point for ferries that run to Pea Patch Island, home to the historic FORT DELAWARE, as well as the Michael Castle Trail that will connect the city with Chesapeake City, Maryland along a 16-mile trail designed for hiking and biking.